Sample Images

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Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/2000s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

640

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/1250s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/4000s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/2000s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/2500s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/1000s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/2000s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/1250s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/3200s

Make

Canon

Model

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

ISO Speed

320

Focal Length

400.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/1600s

Verdict

The EF 400mm f/5.6 USM L is one of the oldest lens in the Canon lineup and it's a little bizarre that Canon didn't really bother to upgrade it during all these years. After all there're many users interested in wildlife or sports photography and few amateur can actually afford a behemoth like the EF 500mm f/4 USM L IS. Admittedly most users will probably vote for the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 USM L IS due to its extra zooming flexibility. However, the prime lens has some advantages. It is capable of achieving an evenly high resolution across the image frame combined with very low lateral CAs. Vignetting is not an issue even on a full format body. There's also only a minimal amount of image distortions. The quality of the bokeh is generally very fine with the exception of "onion-like" out-of-focus highlights.

The build quality of the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 USM L is up to pro standards, of course. It is worth mentioning that the centering quality is superior to most lenses out there - that's thanks to its small number of lens elements and the lack of IS. The AF is very fast and reliable. If you can live without IS and don't bother the rather long minimal focus distances it remains one of the better choices.